POPLAR GROVE — A mobile-home developer won’t be getting two special permits to construct 284 units, a community recreation area and an office on 72 acres near Britnie Drive and Poplar Grove Road.

The Village Board unanimously denied the permits Monday for Hawthorn Meadows North and Hawthorn Meadows South.

A packed board room erupted in applause after the two votes.

Critic Laura Piotrowski fist-bumped a nearby audience member as the votes started to come in.

“That was the result we wanted,” she said afterward.

Flora Meadows representatives declined to comment.

Board President John Neitzel said the developer failed to submit proper reports about wetlands and drainage, and planned to build the community recreation area in the wetlands.

“We have to make our judgments based upon the law,” Neitzel said, adding that the developer can make the required changes or come back with another application. “They’re allowed due process.

“They can certainly take us to court and contest our findings, our vote and what we based it upon, or they can resubmit in a year.”

He said the proposal polarized the community, drawing many to board meetings when there usually is a mere handful. There also were petitions from those not wanting the park near the Britnie-Poplar Grove intersection.

Belvidere-Boone County Planning Department staff members have said all types of housing — including mobile-home parks — are needed in a community.

Yet protesters expressed concerns about the type of people mobile-home parks attract and the potential disturbance of wetlands.

Jim Hursh, who represented the applicant, and project manager Tim McCarty have tried assuring community members that wetlands would be undisturbed and signs would be placed on the property notifying residents about these areas.

All units would be high-end, with no significant difference between the manufactured homes and other area homes, they told community members.